Free Speech

The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, of the press, of association, of assembly,
and of petition from suppression by the government. These constitutional guarantees,
collectively known as the right to freedom of expression, are essential to the mission
of Binghamton University.

Student Code of Conduct on Free Speech

The Student Conduct Code says the following about first amendment rights at Binghamton
University:

1. All members of the University community are expected to conduct themselves lawfully,
maturely and responsibly, and to share the responsibility of maintaining standards
of behavior that are essential to the smooth functioning of the institution.

2. The tradition at Binghamton, a public university, is that the full exercise of
First Amendment rights is encouraged and protected. The expectation is that these
rights are practiced with respect and responsibility, and with the recognition that
abusing the rights of any one person or group ultimately endangers the rights of all.
Obscene speech or conduct — that which appeals to prurient interests, is patently
offensive, and lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value — is
not protected by the First Amendment.

3. Every member of the University community has a right to feel secure in person and
property and has the responsibility to respect and protect the rights of others.

4. Conduct that interferes with or threatens the operation of the University or the
rights of others, either in or out of the classroom, is not condoned.

5. Students are expected to abide by the rules of the University and by state, local
and federal laws, and cannot be granted sanctuary by the University.